Crowley has announced the launch of a new weekly container shipping service connecting Port Houston with Santo Tomás de Castilla, Guatemala, and Puerto Cortés, Honduras. The new Gulf-Central America Express Service is designed to strengthen trade connections between the U.S. Gulf and Central America while providing shippers with a more direct and efficient transportation option.

The first Houston call is scheduled for September 10, 2026, with departures planned for Thursdays. The service will support a wide range of cargo, including fresh produce, apparel, consumer goods, industrial products, and project cargo.

Direct Connection to Central America’s Growing Trade Markets

The new service connects Port Houston with two of Central America’s largest and fastest-growing trade gateways. For businesses moving products between the regions, the direct connection is intended to reduce delays associated with transshipment and provide greater predictability for inventory planning.

The service comes as trade between Central America and the United States continues to expand. According to the Inter-American Development Bank, Central American exports to the United States increased 15.7% year over year in early 2026, with fresh produce contributing significantly to the growth.

For time-sensitive commodities such as fresh produce, reliable transportation and shorter supply-chain cycles can be particularly important.

Supporting Refrigerated and Dry Cargo

Crowley’s vessels will accommodate both dry and refrigerated containers, allowing the service to support a diverse range of products moving between Central America and the United States.

The network will offer multiple container configurations, including 40- and 45-foot dry and refrigerated containers, 53-foot dry containers, and 20- and 40-foot flat-rack equipment.

The availability of 53-foot containers is designed to improve intermodal efficiency and provide additional flexibility for inland transportation.

Port Houston Strengthens Its Gulf Gateway Role

The new service further strengthens Port Houston’s position as a major container gateway for the U.S. Gulf.

Port Houston handles approximately 75% of U.S. Gulf container volume and provides extensive inland connectivity into Texas and other major U.S. markets. The new connection gives Central American exporters a direct route into Houston while providing U.S. businesses with improved access to important markets in Guatemala and Honduras.

John Moseley, chief commercial officer at Port Houston, said the new weekly service expands options for customers moving both refrigerated and dry cargo through Houston.

The service is also expected to support the movement of fresh food and consumer products into regional markets while strengthening connections between Texas businesses and Central American customers.

Integrated Ocean and Inland Logistics

Beyond ocean transportation, Crowley’s offering combines shipping, warehousing, and inland logistics services through an integrated network.

This approach is intended to reduce the number of supply-chain handoffs while improving shipment visibility. For retailers and businesses handling products with limited shelf life, fewer transfers can help improve inventory management and operational efficiency.

Crowley has maintained an integrated presence in the Caribbean and Central America for more than 65 years, giving the company an established logistics network across the region.